Memories in the making

The 2013 Yamhill County Fair & Rodeo promises not only something for everyone to see and do, but also good memories.

“Let’s Stirrup Some Summer Memories” is the theme of the event, which runs Wednesday, July 31, through Saturday, Aug. 3, on the fairgrounds in McMinnville. You may come away with memories of horse shows and pygmy goats; the tomatoes and roses your neighbor entered in the horticulture contests; the music of Clay Walker or Great White; the view from the ferris wheel or the sights and sounds of the demolition derby; or numerous other displays and activities.

The fair will open at 10 a.m. daily, running until after dark. Admission is $10 per day for adults and $5 for children 5 to 12 years old; however, if you get to the fair before 3 p.m., children get in free. Parking on the fairgrounds costs $3 per vehicle per day.

Some special deals are available, too. Seniors can attend for $6 on Thursday, Aug. 1. All-day carnival ride bracelets are available before opening day for $20. Season tickets are sold before opening day for $20 for adults and $7.50 for children.

Admission includes all the displays and animals shows, the rodeo, demolition derby and music — everything but the food and souvenirs you choose to buy. Special “golden circle seating” at the big-name concerts is available for an extra $7.

The headliners include:

Country artist Clay Walker, 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Singer Thomas Rhett, 9 p.m. Thursday. Joe Shinkle and 99 West will open the show

Jerrod Niemann, also a country favorite, 9 p.m. Friday.

Rock band Great White, 9 p.m. Saturday.

Local talent also will be featured at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1. Winner of the Yamhill County talent show will go on to the Oregon State Fair.

Fair ambassadors Marissa Dyck and Katelyn Noragon will serve as hostesses on the fairgrounds. They also will be featured in the grand entry that begins each rodeo show.

Bullmania will be featured Wednesday night. The action starts at 6:30 p.m. in Whitman Arena.

Full NPRA rodeo shows are scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, also in the arena.

On Saturday night, the popular locally organized demolition derby will take over. Drivers will compete to smash up their cars and those of fellow contestants, going at it until only one remains running. The action starts at 6 p.m. Saturday in the arena.

Animal barns will be open throughout the fair, so you can check out the chickens and cavies, pet a bunny or watch a llama dress up contest. Horse shows will be going on daily in DeLashmutt Arena. Hundreds of FFA and 4-H members will be on hand to show off their animals and talk with visitors.

The horticulture pavillion and the Leslie Lewis Pavillion also will be open throughout the fair, with displays of the best of what’s been grown, sewn, photographed and prepared by Yamhill County residents.

And, of course, the carnival and midway booths will be open all day, every day. Strolling performances by magician the Amazing Larmay and Mother Goose are scheduled each day.

Other highlights include:

n Thursday: The Carlton Farms grilling contest will start at 10 a.m.

n Friday: Veterans will be honored with a proclamation and covenant signing at 4 p.m.

n Saturday: The junior livestock auction will start at 12:30 p.m.

For more information about the fair, check the website, www.co.yamhill.or.us/fair, or call 503-434-7524.